Recent advances in applying decision science to managing national forests

Bruce G. Marcot; Matthew P. Thompson; Michael C. Runge; Frank R. Thompson; Steven McNulty; David Cleaves; Monica Tomosy; Larry A. Fisher; Bliss Andrew

doi:10.1016/j.foreco.2012.08.024

Recent advances in applying decision science to managing national forests

Forest Ecology and Management

By: Bruce G. Marcot, Matthew P. Thompson, Michael C. Runge, Frank R. Thompson, Steven McNulty, David Cleaves, Monica Tomosy, Larry A. Fisher, and Bliss Andrew

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2012.08.024

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Abstract

Management of federal public forests to meet sustainability goals and multiple use regulations is an immense challenge. To succeed, we suggest use of formal decision science procedures and tools in the context of structured decision making (SDM). SDM entails four stages: problem structuring (framing the problem and defining objectives and evaluation criteria), problem analysis (defining alternatives, evaluating likely consequences, identifying key uncertainties, and analyzing tradeoffs), decision point (identifying the preferred alternative), and implementation and monitoring the preferred alternative with adaptive management feedbacks. We list a wide array of models, techniques, and tools available for each stage, and provide three case studies of their selected use in National Forest land management and project plans. Successful use of SDM involves participation by decision-makers, analysts, scientists, and stakeholders. We suggest specific areas for training and instituting SDM to foster transparency, rigor, clarity, and inclusiveness in formal decision processes regarding management of national forests.

Additional publication details
Publication type	Article
Publication Subtype	Journal Article
Title	Recent advances in applying decision science to managing national forests
Series title	Forest Ecology and Management
DOI	10.1016/j.foreco.2012.08.024
Volume	285
Year Published	2012
Language	English
Publisher	Elsevier
Publisher location	Amsterdam, Netherlands
Contributing office(s)	Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description	10 p.
Larger Work Type	Article
Larger Work Subtype	Journal Article
Larger Work Title	Forest Ecology and Management
First page	123
Last page	132
Country	United States
Google Analytic Metrics	Metrics page